Shortly after his release, Backe informed the Astros that he could not move his arm above the shoulder, the Houston Chronicle reports. Backe was checked out by the team doctor, who first diagnosed the tear.

Backe struggled in his first full year back from Tommy John surgery, going 9-14 with a 6.05 ERA in 31 starts. He once again posted a nice strikeout rate, fanning 127 in 166.2 innings, but he surrendered 36 home runs and his WHIP was a staggering 1.67. Backe has a live arm and has shown flashes in the past, but he’s one to avoid in mixed leagues, and he’s really just a marginal pitcher in NL-only leagues. You can probably find options with more upside during the endgame of your draft.

2008

Backe made a successful comeback from Tommy John surgery in 2007, as he returned in September to go 3-1 with a 3.77 ERA in five starts. Predictably, his strikeout numbers were down from his career rate of 6.02 strikeout per nine innings; he struck out just 11 in 28.2 innings. However, the mere fact that he was able to get back on the mound 12 months after his surgery and still pitch well gives us hope for the future.

2007

Backe will miss the 2007 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. The Astros are hopeful he can return to the mound in 2008.

2006

Maddening. Backe can look like waiver bait in one start, and like a Hall of Famer in the next. He's had some of the most memorable outings of the past two postseasons, but his regular-season numbers in that time are unimpressive. Take that larger sample seriously, and be wary of a significant investment.

2005

Backe found his way into the Astros' rotation when both Andy Pettitte and Wade Miller were lost with season ending shoulder injuries. Backe did an admirable job down the stretch as the third starter, and his future in the Astros rotation is pretty secure following the team's decision to non-tender Wade Miller. 2005 won't be the year that Backe has his breakout, but he's a player worth tracking for the future.

2004

Backe's 5.44 ERA last year was a little misleading; in this year's Bill James Handbook, he's credited with a component ERA of 4.64, which makes more sense, because of his 28 appearances last year, most were pretty effective. Could conceivably get a shot at a fifth starter role, but more likely to pitch long relief.

2003

Backe went 4-6, 4.68 in 20 games (14 starts, 92 innings) at Double-A Orlando last year, in addition to brief stint as a long man in the Tampa Bay pen. A converted outfielder who's looked promising at times, he'll likely spend the bulk of 2003 at Triple-A. Probably a year away, at least, from having roto impact.